Dear Miss Move Abroad,

I want to move abroad. How should I proceed?

Ready & Willing

Dear Ms. R&W

You may be willing but you’re far from ready. How to proceed, you ask?

Proceed by dreaming. Dream a little dream of you, abroad. Are you meandering along a beach or striding across cobblestones? Is it hot and humid or is there a hint of snow in the air? Are you headed for your Spanish class or a new job? Dream long. Dream deep. Write it all down.

Then map your dream to places that actually exist. Do some research on those places, and get back to me.

In other words, you’re not quite far enough along in your dreaming to ask for advice.  Consider, too, that people who thrive abroad are resourceful and know how to think for themselves. Sure, everyone needs help. But to get it you need to have moved far enough in imagining your plan to at least ask the right questions.

Painting by Marc Chagall: ‘Over Town’